Endodontics

Root canal therapy, which actually gets the patient out of pain, is unfairly characterized as distressing. In the gentle hands of the team at SoCalSmiles Dental Office in Tarzana, CA, endodontics saves teeth.

About endodontics

A tooth has a covering of enamel over a dentin substructure. At the center is a chamber filled with tissue, blood supply, and nerves that extend through canals into tooth roots. When decay or fractures occur, oral bacteria may reach the pulp chamber. Nerves become inflamed and pressure builds. The condition often results in acute pain or recurring toothache. Without treatment, infection can spread to bone and other tissues.

Endodontics is the area of dentistry focused on treating disease of dental pulp.

Endodontic services

Patients in the Tarzana area have convenient access to the services of an endodontist. Dr. Debra Stein trained in microsurgical endodontics at Harvard University’s School of Dental Medicine, and has more than a decade of experience in this specialization.

Dr. Stein and the team at SoCalSmiles Dental Office provide a full range of endodontic services:

Cracked tooth treatment – Clenching, grinding, biting on a hard object, or trauma can fracture teeth. Treatment options depend on the type, severity, and location of the crack.

Root canal therapy – The dentist may first prescribe pain medication and antibiotics. Then the tooth is opened, alleviating pressure. Pulp and nerves are removed. The chamber and root canals are sanitized, and the tooth is sealed. A crown is placed for protection and strength. Natural tooth roots continue to preserve bone density.

Root canal re-treatment – It is possible, months or even years later, for problems to recur. Re-treatment is similar to the original procedure.

Apicoectomy – Removal of the tip of a tooth root when infection is present can help to avoid the need for future re-treatment.

With good oral care, you may never need endodontics. If you do, though, the team at SoCalSmiles Dental Office in Tarzana is here to help. Call (818) 210-3885.

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Had my first visit today and the staff was AMAZING! By far the best dentist I have been to yet. Knew my name when I walked in, very welcoming, office was very nice and clean, each staff member spoke to me and held conversations in a way you knew they actually cared and didn't fake it, were gentle, and knew what they were doing! Great job!